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Monday, June 5, 2017

Fernando d'Avalos - Pavia, 1525

Here is another commander for my slowly expanding Italian Wars collection. This time we have a fierce Spaniard, Fernando d'Avalos, the victorious Imperial commander who defeated the French and captured Francis I at the Battle of Pavia, 1525.

The mounted figure is from Warlord Games, and while the casting itself is listed as being from their 'Wars of Religion' range, I thought he serves quite nicely as a early 16th century Spanish commander (I quite like his elegant soft cap, with its jaunty feather).

The dismounted knight at D'Avalos' side is from Steel Fist Miniatures. He is in full harness (probably shedding more than a few pounds, trying to keep up), wearing the distinctive conical 'kettle' helm frequently favoured by Spanish noblemen at the time.

The standard bearer is a venerable Wargames Foundy casting, holding a banner from Pete's Flags.

The two Alaunt pups dashing past D'Avalos's steed (and last seen listening at Francis' command post) were sourced from a private commission, sculpted by the very talented Steve May.

Now, I just need some more Spanish troops for Fernando to command. Yes, yes, I'm on it! :)In the meantime: Something Lovecraftian

Oh he'll do! I think he works rather well transposed to an earlier era, he certainly looks like what a Spanish commander should look, at least to my mind, nice dogs too. Now on to the troops! Best Iain

He's absolutely terrible, as is the rest of your Italian Wars collection. You should post them to me IMMEDIATELY, that I may shut them away from the world and protect all and sundry from the hideousness of their countenances.

AIGF, of course. :)

Your Italian Wars stuff is really quite splendid, and the black backgrounds in your photographs show them off very well.

I had them all packaged up for you, but then thought that their vileness would put a strain on our relationship and so I've decided that I alone should shoulder the burden of owning such a collective millstone. ;)

Great work again dude, the base looks amazing, and I expect he will add some impetus to you as you add some Spanish troops to your collection. Having the commander staring at you from the display case can do that...